Repertory Philippines to stage ‘Scrooge’ musical this Christmas

This Christmas, Repertory Philippines is reviving a classic to remind everyone of the true holiday spirit. Scrooge: A Family Musical will inspire viewers from November 21 to December 14 at the Onstage, Greenbelt 1 in Makati City, capping off Repertory’s 2014 calendar.

“I feel that in this generation, the spirit of Christmas is disappearing. It has become commercialized when we should be celebrating the birth of Christ. The spirit of Christmas, the spirit of giving, loving, and generosity are all embodied in Scrooge more than any other script,” said director Baby Barredo, also Repertory Philippines’ co-founder and artistic director.

The timeless tale A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a staple in the theater scene during the Yuletide season, endearing families with the same message of sharing and forgiveness. Repertory Philippines has brought the story to stage for three times—all box office hits using different adaptations of the story. The fourth staging takes a cue from the book, music, and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.

Miguel Faustman as Ebenezer Scrooge

The story follows the miserly life of banker Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey towards realizing the true spirit of Christmas through three ghosts: that of his past, present, and future. “Some people relate to the work-earn money thinking Scrooge has. In past productions, people approached us backstage, saying how guilty they felt. The story is an eye-opener. It’s the perfect Christmas show,” said Miguel Faustmann, who is playing the title role.

Faustmann expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness for his part. “My parents used to take me to Scrooge plays as a kid, and I dreamt of playing the role. Now I finally get to do it,” he said. In the past stagings, Faustmann has essayed the roles of Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s deceased business partner, and Fezziwig, Scrooge’s jolly old boss. Alternating for the main character and also in his debut rendition of Scrooge is Chinggoy Alonzo.

With a nostalgic ensemble of 19th century London scenery and music, enlivened by a talented local cast, Scrooge is poised to bring out the holiday cheers out of every spectator — even the grumpiest one crying out, "Bah, humbug!

Based on the book, music, and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, Scrooge: A Family Musical will be staged by Repertory Philippines from November 21 to December 14 at Onstage Theater, 2nd Floor of Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi Street, Makati City. Directed by Baby Barredo, the story brings life to timeless classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

For tickets or inquiries, visit www.repertoryphilippines.com or call Ticketworld at 891.9999. Check out Repertory Philippines on Facebook for updates. #RepPhilsScrooge